WINEWORKS, from page 10
Wimberley Glassworks celebrating 30 years
So, why create the Hill Country Wineworks? As Chris explains, “It just made sense. We both enjoy wine, we both love the Hill Country and especially, we enjoy meeting folks with similar likes and tastes. What better way to bring everything together than opening a fun business here in our adopted Comfort where people and product can, and do, come comfortably together?” Well, let’s take a look at their undertaking. Once committed to the idea, Kelly and Chris were fortunate to find “the perfect location” for their HCW. Just outside of Comfort on Highway 87 near I 10 on a pretty piece of property, they found a reconstructed 1865 cabin. After expanding the same, the structure now boasts an inventory-displaying tasting room with beckoning fireplace as well as three cozy, adjoining (somewhat private) sitting rooms. All encourage relaxation, conversation and sampling. Even with the expansion, the entire structure remains an intimate 1,700 square-feet and, as Kelley offers, “Many of our visitors have commented that the overall feel within is like being a welcome guest in a home.” That feeling of invitation pervades the exterior porch and picnic areas as well. But what about the wine? Regarding this very important aspect of the biz surprisingly, Chris and Kelley aren’t actually “making wines” – yet! Rather, they’ve formed partnerships with several top-quality, well-established commercial wineries – one in north Texas, one in California and one in the Hill Country – that, as Chris relates “Were willing to work with us on creating special wines that are approachable and unique.” To that end, HCW now stocks an amazing assortment of ten custom “house wines” including white and red blends, a sangria, a Mourvedre, a Viognier and a Roussanne, among others. All are excellent, all bear the Hill Country Wineworks label and all are available on site (by the glass or bottle) and/or via the internet. The focus has primarily been on dry reds and whites but they do stock some off-dry varieties for customers who want a little sweetness. Lastly, add to any of these several a la carte charcuterie offerings that pair perfectly with the vino and as Kelley admits, “A visit can end up lasting for hours.” Cheers! So seekers, come and experience what success means when superb wines are graciously offered in a treasured environment. Or in other words, where a love of location and a love of libation meld. Kudos Babers! FYI • Hill Country Wineworks is located at 16 US Highway 87 in Comfort. Tasting Room hours Thursday 2 pm to 6 pm, and Friday through Sunday, noon to 7 pm. Private parties are welcome. For more information, call 325-370-6278 or visit www.hcwineworks.com. 12 Hill Country SUN
May/June/July 2022
Tim de Jong, the owner and head gaffer of Wimberley Glass Works, creates. Photo courtesy Wimberley Glass Works.
WIMBERLEY H Tim de Jong, owner and head gaffer of Wimberley Glassworks, invites you to join Wimberley Glassworks for a Pearl of a Party Saturday, June 11, from 10 am to 5 pm. Celebrate to the steel drums, then shimmer and sway into an afternoon of reggae with Roland & The Roots Riddim. Sip cocktails and grab lunch from an island-inspired food truck. See the team of artisans create works of art before your eyes in a live glassblowing demonstration. Go on a hunt for your own treasure and giveaways, as you voyage through an art reveal adventure that opens a chest of memories and new collections. Tim de Jong was born in Canada. He studied glass at Alfred University in New York after his father made him work his way home cross country for over a year, in deciding to go to college. Tim holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in glass art from Tyler’s School of Art at Temple University located in Pennsylvania. In 1991, he came to Texas on vacation and fell in love with the Hill Country, then decided to set up shop. Since that time, the studio has grown from a one-man operation to a seven-person team, creating art glass collections, lighting designs, and art installations featured in luxury and commercial properties nationally, most notably Keurig/Dr. Pepper. FYI • Wimberley Glassworks gallery and studio is located at 6469 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas 78666. For more information, visit wgw.com or call 512-393-3316. TIckets for the Pearl of a Party event are available online at wgw.com/pages/ pearlofaparty.